Principal Airworthiness Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote global role

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health coverage

Continued professional development

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 represents a premier aerospace client seeking a Principal Airworthiness Engineer for a fully remote global team. You will guide certification strategies, interpret EASA/FAA rules, and oversee complex programs to ensure safety and compliance across international projects.

Ideal candidates have 10–12+ years in airworthiness, strong leadership, and exceptional communication for remote reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree is highly preferred.
• 10–12+ years in aviation airworthiness, certification, or design engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of EASA CS-25, FAA FAR Part 25, or equivalent regulations.
• Experience managing complex certification programs with regulatory bodies.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, structures, propulsion and avionics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for remote technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership on airworthiness requirements and certification strategies for new and existing aircraft programs.
• Interpret and apply international aviation regulations to design and modification projects.
• Review and approve design substantiation reports, test plans, and compliance records.
• Lead airworthiness reviews, audits, and investigations.
• Develop strategies to achieve and maintain type certification and continued airworthiness.
• Act as technical liaison with regulatory authorities and communicate complex information.
• Mentor less experienced engineers in airworthiness principles.
• Identify airworthiness risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to company standards and processes for airworthiness and certification.

Skills

Airworthiness knowledge

Regulatory liaison

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in aerospace certification and safety, is seeking an exceptional Principal Airworthiness Engineer to join their fully remote global team. This critical role is for a seasoned professional with extensive experience in ensuring aircraft and aviation products meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. As a remote employee, you will leverage your deep understanding of aviation regulations, design principles, and certification processes to provide expert guidance and oversight on complex projects worldwide. Your work will be vital in maintaining the highest levels of safety and compliance for our client's diverse portfolio of aviation solutions. This is a premier opportunity to apply your specialized skills from a remote location, contributing to the integrity and safety of the aviation industry on a global scale. The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, and possesses impeccable attention to detail, thriving in an independent work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on airworthiness requirements and certification strategies for new and existing aircraft programs.
• Interpret and apply international aviation regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA) to complex design and modification projects.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including design substantiation reports, test plans, and compliance records.
• Lead and participate in airworthiness reviews, audits, and investigations.
• Develop and implement strategies for achieving and maintaining type certification and continued airworthiness.
• Act as a key technical liaison with regulatory authorities, effectively communicating complex technical information.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers in airworthiness principles and practices.
• Identify potential airworthiness risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to the development of company standards and processes related to airworthiness and certification.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in aviation airworthiness, certification, or design engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of EASA CS-25, FAA FAR Part 25, or equivalent airworthiness regulations.
• Proven experience managing complex certification programs and interacting with regulatory bodies.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, structures, propulsion, and avionics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote technical reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage priorities effectively, and deliver high-quality results in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring technical staff.
• Must have a dedicated, distraction-free home office environment with reliable high-speed internet in or near Welkom, Free State, ZA .

Benefits

• A leading salary package reflecting the seniority and critical nature of the role.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote position with a globally recognized company.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile, international aviation projects.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Continuous professional development and access to advanced training programs.